Colonie shortstop Stephanie Reinhardt throws to first base during their rain shortened 2-0 victory over Columbia on Wednesday May 16, 2012 in Colonie, NY. (Philip Kamrass / Times Union )

Colonie shortstop Stephanie Reinhardt throws to first base during...

Lynn Hyde and her husband Chuck, center, watch a storm roll in as their daughter Paige's softball game with Columbia High School was delayed against Colonie High School on Wednesday May 16, 2012 in Colonie, NY. The storm included rain, lightning and thunder. Umpires eventually ruled the rain shortened game a four and a half inning 2-0 victory for Colonie. (Philip Kamrass / Times Union )

Colonie shortstop Stephanie Reinhardt in the field during their rain shortened 2-0 victory over Columbia on Wednesday May 16, 2012 in Colonie, NY. (Philip Kamrass / Times Union )

Colonie shortstop Stephanie Reinhardt in the field during their...

Lynn Hyde and her husband Chuck, center, watch a storm roll in as their daughter Paige's softball game with Columbia High School was delayed against Colonie High School on Wednesday May 16, 2012 in Colonie, NY. The storm included rain, lightning and thunder. Umpires eventually ruled the rain shortened game a four and a half inning 2-0 victory for Colonie. (Philip Kamrass / Times Union )

COLONIE — Catcher Kassidy Ogren fired the ball back to Kelly Lane and the junior pitcher shuffled dirt across the rubber with both feet. She then walked behind the circle, reached down and grabbed some dirt and stepped on the rubber again. Lane repeats the sequence every pitch.

"It is sort of like I'm erasing what just happened and moving on," Lane said. "Grabbing the dirt gets me ready mentally for the next pitch. It's a routine that I really don't know how it started."

Lane may not be able to explain her habit, but it's not hard to figure how Colonie wins softball games: it combines pitching, hitting and defense.

Lane and fellow junior Stephanie Reinhardt, the team's shortstop and No. 2 hitter, are three-year starters and lead a young and hungry squad that has used the seven weeks of the regular season to develop into a viable Section II Class AA title contender.

On Thursday afternoon the Garnet Raiders (13-6, 13-2) captured the Suburban Council South Division title with an 8-5 victory over Bethlehem. Colonie beat the Eagles for the second time by pounding out 14 hits.

"These kids come to play," Colonie coach Kevin Jette said. "They're competing every time they step on the field and as a coach, that is all you can ask. Their heart, their knowledge of the game and the way they keep each other up are all very important."

"I think we did an excellent job of moving runners along and hitting in situations," said Reinhardt, a three-sport standout who is hitting .470. "If Kelly or I are not getting hits, we have plenty of others who can get the job done."

The depth and versatility of the Garnet Raiders' batting order was evident against Bethlehem. Sophomore first baseman Maria Sholtes, who is hitting .480, had three hits from the No. 5 slot. Junior center fielder Sam Blum, batting sixth, had two doubles and four RBIs.

Lane leads Colonie with a .540 average and has struck out 160 and allowed just 58 hits over 102 innings of work.

"She gives it her all every game," Jette said of Lane. "All of the credit for us being competitive comes from us feeding off of her — including the coaching staff. Kelly is definitely a competitor. Steph is the same way."

Reinhardt, whom Jette converted from a catcher in 2010 when he took over the varsity program, anchors a solid infield that also features Kiersten McKenna at second and Mary Waterman at third.

"I take a lot of pride in my defense. Coach Jette has made me the shortstop I am today," Reinhardt said. "We want to back up what Kelly does and support her."

Lane and Reinhardt, who helped Colonie win the 2010 Section II Class AA title as a No. 9 seed, want another title on June 1.

"I think everyone has a fair chance. Every game, you don't what is going to happen," Lane said. "There are tons of great teams in the Suburban Council. I like where we're at."